Easy recipes for making art mixtures such as doughs, paint, and goop. Some of the best learning times happen when children are playing with things that are gooey, sticky, gummy, gloppy, and runny! You and the children can make some of these interesting mixtures at home.
Some of the best learning times happen when children are playing with things that are gooey, sticky, gummy, gloppy, and runny! You and the children can make some of these interesting mixtures at home.
Quick and easy finger paint
You will Need:
- Liquid laundry starch
- Powdered tempera paint
Pour about two tablespoons of liquid laundry starch on each child's paper. Sprinkle a little powdered tempera paint on top of the starch. Let the children mix the color and starch as they paint.
Soap and flour finger paint
You will Need:
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons liquid hand soap
- ¾ cup water
- Food coloring
The children can help measure and mix the flour, liquid soap, and water until the mixture is a thick paste. Add food coloring, one drop at a time, until the paint is the color you want.
Cooked finger paint
You will need:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups cold water
- 2 cups hot water
- Food coloring
The children can help measure and mix the flour and salt in a saucepan or electric skillet. Add cold water and stir until the mixture is smooth. An adult should add the hot water and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil until it turns clear. Add food coloring and beat until smooth. Allow to cool before the children use it for painting.
Cornstarch and salt dough
(Can be dried and painted)
You will Need
- 2 cups salt
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Water
The children can help measure and mix the salt with 2⁄3 cup water in a saucepan or electric skillet. An adult should cook the mixture on medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat. In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water. Stir into the cooked mixture until it is smooth. Cook on medium heat until the mixture is thick. Allow to cool before the children play with it.
Play putty
You Will Need:
- 2 cups white glue*
- 1 cup liquid laundry starch
Mix well. Give the mixture some drying time before playing with it.
*If you use school glue instead of white glue, the putty will not bounce or pick up print from the newspaper.
Flour, salt, and oil dough
You will Need:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
The children can help measure and mix the flour and salt. Stir in the oil and water. Add more water to make a soft dough. This dough should be stored in an airtight container.
Coffee grounds dough
(Dough with a different texture)
You will Need:
- 2 cups used, dry coffee grounds
- ½ cup salt
- 1½ cups cornmeal
- Warm water
The children can help measure and mix the coffee grounds, salt, and cornmeal. Add enough warm water to make the mixture moist. This makes great dough for rolling, patting, and pounding.
Flour and water paste
You will Need:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup water
Mix the flour and water until creamy. Store in a covered container.
Goop
You will Need:
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup water
Let the children mix the cornstarch and water with their hands. The amount of water to use depends on the humidity and how runny you want the goop to be.
Pour the goop into a pan with low sides. Children play with goop by running their fingers and hands through it to see how it moves and changes. Keeps well in a plastic container with a tight lid.
Homemade play dough
You will Need:
- 2 Tbsp. cream of tartar
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tsp. food coloring
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup salt
Have a few children help you to measure and combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes, until it forms a ball in the center of the pan. Show your child how to knead it on a lightly floured surface. Store in an airtight container or plastic bag.
TIPS 3-7
